From changing your dog’s name to a parrot let loose – your pet queries answered
HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions.
Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm tails.com, has helped with owners’ queries for ten years.
He says: “If your pet is acting funny or is under the weather, or you want to know about nutrition or exercise, just ask. I can help keep pets happy and healthy.”
Q: CAN you change a dog’s name? I am re-homing one called Kanye (as in Kanye Westie).
Will I confuse my pup if I call him something else from now on, or should I just stick with it?
Mike Burnett, Leeds
Sean says: Ha ha, how brilliant! I’ve not heard that one before.
Of course you can change it.
Dogs learn and adapt to new names, new commands, even new languages — as long as responding to it results in treats or attention, of course.
So, a fresh start for Kanye.
But I’d avoid renaming him Fred.
Got a question for Sean?
SEND your queries to vet@the-sun.co.uk.
Q: I’M thinking about trying to get my parrot Mike out of the house to train him to fly free.
What steps do you recommend I take, as I don’t want to lose him?
He’s very bonded with me and I’ve been practising recall in the house with treats.
Josh Bolt, Aberdeen
Sean says: This makes me very, very nervous.
Even if Mike learns to do it and return successfully, there are still so many hazards to think of.
That includes road traffic, other birds mobbing him, spooking and getting lost.
Of course it’s brilliant for a parrot to get out and fly.
And when you see the social media videos of free-flying pet parrots, it’s really joyful.
Perhaps you could build him a large aviary in the garden, to allow him to fly safely?
Q: I HAVE four neutered house cats but about a year ago my 13-year-old cat started urinating up the wall.
I have two large litter trays that are cleaned regularly.
I have tried spraying multiple deterrents on the wall that he urinates against but nothing deters him.
My cat is completely healthy.
Has this just become a habit for him?
What do I do?
Amanda Berry, Oxford
Sean says: Toileting issues are fairly common in multi-cat households, as there is competition for resources that you or I may not even notice.
This includes places to toilet, best times to go, places to sit, feeding bowls, etc.
Cats are very subtle in how they communicate with one another.
The advice on litter trays is that you need one tray per cat, plus one extra.
So for your household, that’s five litter trays.
I know — madness.
But it’s probably the only thing that will save your walls and floors.
Q: MY nine-year-old border collie Rosie has what looks like an overgrown skin tag over her rib cage by one of her teats.
It’s cold to the touch and doesn’t bother her but I’m just worried when putting a harness on her in case it catches it.
Should I get it checked or have it removed?
I’ve been told that a removal costs around £400.
What do you think it could be?
Sam Neill, Swansea
Sean says: It’s tricky to advise without seeing the lump, so my first suggestion would be to get it checked out by your vet.
I’d want to feel it, assess location, maybe even take an aspirate of some cells to determine what it is, if it looks sinister.
You don’t mention how long it’s been there and whether it’s growing slowly or rapidly, which is useful information.
I’d measure it regularly to determine that.
If it is just a harmless skin tag, then my concern would be injury, rubbing or catching.
It’s not absolutely necessary to remove if you are careful with Rosie’s harness and keep an eye on things.
Perhaps if she’s going under anaesthetic for anything else at some point you could have it removed then.
But I would get it checked and discuss costs with your vet.
How to play it cool in Summer sun
AFTER the recent sizzling weather, dog owners are being urged to keep their pets safe this summer.
Nick Sutton, health expert at the Kennel Club, said: “Make sure your dog always has access to water and a shady area to cool down.
“A paddling pool can be great to cool off in. Walk your dog in the early morning or evening and avoid the midday sun.”
When planning a day trip or holiday, make sure you are aware of local dog- walking rules, which can change during the year.
Nick added: “It is your responsibility to prevent your dog from chasing any wildlife or livestock, and use a lead if necessary or required by signage.”
Four dogs have already been saved by lifeboats off our coastlines this year.
Nick said: “If near any water that your dog may like to swim in, be aware of blue-green algae, which can be very harmful to your dog.
“Water that contains it may appear a different colour, smell musty or be foamy along the shoreline.
“Finally, look out for any barbecue leftovers on beaches or parks as skewers, cooked bones and even corn on the cob can be dangerous.”
See thekennelclub.org.uk/pawbypaw.
WIN: Dog whistles
THE company that invented the dog whistle in 1870 has a brand new one designed for better communication.
The Alpha whistle can help owners tell their dog exactly what they need.
And Birmingham maker ACME Whistles has 26, worth £9.99 each, to give away.
To enter, send an email headed WHISTLE, containing your name, address and telephone to sundaypets@ the-sun.co.uk by July 2.
See acmewhistles.co.uk. T&Cs apply.
Star of the week
AT 100 years old, rescue tortoise George is inspiring young people.
The much-loved pet is now a member of staff at social enterprise BEES, in Plympton, Devon, which provides an alternative educational setting for kids who need it.
George was given a home there after his owners became too old.
BEES owner Nathan Potts said: “George is a gentle tortoise who has become a calming influence on the children.
“His serene nature and remarkable age make him an ideal companion for those seeking tranquillity and wisdom.”
See beesuk.org.